Hazing Information

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury. The following are non-exhaustive examples of conduct that causes or creates such a risk:
  • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenic, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of applicable local, [insert applicable state name] State, Triba, or Federal law; and
  • Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

This definition is compliant with New York State law. Under New York State Penal Law, a person may be charged with hazing if, during another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of and/or causes physical injury to another person. A criminal charge of hazing may result in a violation or misdemeanor.

Additional information about SUNY Cortland's Hazing Policy can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.

SUNY Cortland encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or other applicable policies and procedures. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanction that could include suspension or expulsion.

Any person may report hazing by:

• Filling out an online incident report
• Calling the Student Conduct Office at 607-753-4725 to request a meeting
• Emailing student.conduct@cortland.edu

Investigation:
After a report is received, SUNY Cortland will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. SUNY Cortland will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or any other applicable processes depending on the nature of the complaint.

Retaliation:
No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Student Conduct Office and/or Human Resources. Any reports of retaliation involving an employee covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate processes.

SUNY Cortland is committed to providing programs designed for the prevention and awareness of hazing. These programs are designed to reach students, faculty, and staff and include primary prevention strategies intended to stop hazing before hazing occurs.

SUNY Cortland students are expected to be familiar with the University’s hazing policy. The policy is included in the Code of Student Conduct which students must review and acknowledge on an annual basis before registering for classes. Additionally, the policy is shared via email, presentations, and publications provided to student groups like student government, sport clubs, fraternities and sororities, and student athletes.

SUNY Cortland recognized fraternities and sororities are required to file with the Campus Activities and Corey Union Office a Certification of Compliance with Anti-Hazing Laws and Regulations.

SUNY Cortland provides programs and trainings about bystander intervention and related hazing prevention and awareness topics. These include an annual hazing education and prevention speaker, National Hazing Prevention Week featuring active and passive hazing education programming, and new member education sessions about hazing. All of SUNY Cortland's hazing prevention and awareness programs and trainings are available for students, faculty, and staff to attend.

Faculty and staff are notified annually about the hazing policy, including procedures for reporting hazing. Additional information is also shared directly with organization advisors and athletic coaches.

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, SUNY Cortland will compile and publish a report summarizing findings concerning any student organization found to be in violation of hazing policies.